Stringer set for dual roles

Recruit Jake Stringer is poised to be more than just a pinch-hitting midfielder for his new club Essendon this year.

Stringer's Bombers teammate Michael Hurley told reporters on Friday the ex-Western Bulldog had completed most of his pre-season with the midfield group as his transition to big-bodied onballer continues.

Coach John Worsfold has previously discussed the potential of the 2015 All Australian forward splitting his time between the midfield and attack if his fitness levels improved.

Stringer, who cut short an overseas holiday last year to make an early impression at Essendon, has privately set a goal of emulating Brownlow medallist Dustin Martin's impact in dual roles.

"He's done the majority of his pre-season with the midfield group, which has been great," Hurley said of Stringer.

"He's really explosive, his power around the ball and his strength and just his size will help us.

"Some of the midfielders are on the smaller side, so to throw that big body in there will be great."